Few-Layer Graphene Anode for Lithium-Ion Battery Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries face challenges with low electrical conductivity and high charge transfer resistance in their anode materials, leading to reduced performance and safety concerns due to dendrite growth and irreversible capacity loss.
Innovation Solution
The development of a lithium-ion battery with a novel anode structure comprising a porous substrate of few-layer graphene sheets that are self-assembled without a binder, providing enhanced electrical conductivity and ion transport, and incorporating molten Li metal to facilitate Li ion transport and reduce irreversible capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional amorphous carbon is used as anode material, then the battery can be manufactured with standard processes, but the electrical conductivity is low and charge transfer resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of carbon material from amorphous to crystalline forms (graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes), which fundamentally alters electrical conductivity from low to high while maintaining compatibility with standard battery manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite anode structures combining multiple carbon materials (graphite particles with graphene coatings, or carbon nanotube networks) to achieve both high electrical conductivity and manufacturability through established composite material processing techniques
2Device complexity
If conventional anode materials are used, then the battery structure is simple, but dendrite growth occurs leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by coating specific regions of carbon particles with conductive materials or creating localized conductive networks at particle interfaces, which prevents dendrite initiation at critical locations while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar anode structures to three-dimensional architectures (such as hierarchical porous structures or 3D carbon frameworks) that provide additional spatial dimensions for ion transport, reducing current density concentration and preventing dendrite formation
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional carbon-based anodes are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but irreversible capacity loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating carbon materials through controlled oxidation, surface functionalization, or lithiation before electrode assembly, which prepares the surface to minimize irreversible capacity loss during initial battery cycles while maintaining straightforward manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as particle size distribution, surface area to volume ratio, and crystalline orientation of carbon materials to reduce irreversible capacity loss, achieving better electrochemical performance through parameter optimization rather than process complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves the electrical conductivity and cyclability of the anode, reducing dendrite growth and irreversible capacity loss, thereby enhancing the overall performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the carbon particles includes a plurality of aggregates formed of few layer graphene sheets. The plurality of aggregates forming a porous structure are configured to undergo a lithiation.
Implementation Method 2
incorporating molten Li metal to facilitate Li ion transport and reduce irreversible capacity
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of aggregates forming a porous structure are configured to undergo a lithiation. The first film includes a first concentration of carbon particles in contact with each other that are configured to define a first electrical conductivity for the first film.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a lithium (Li) ion battery that includes an anode, a cathode positioned opposite to the anode, a porous separator positioned between the anode and the cathode, and a liquid electrolyte in contact with the anode and the cathode. The anode includes an electrically conductive substrate. A first film is deposited on the electrically conductive substrate. The first film includes a first concentration of carbon particles in contact with each other and defines a first electrical conductivity for the first film. Each of the carbon particles includes a plurality of aggregates formed of few layer graphene sheets. The plurality of aggregates form a porous structure configured to undergo a lithiation, which can include any one or more of an intercalation operation or a plating operation. The anode and the cathode can include an electroactive material. The porous structure can provide conduction between the few layer graphene sheets.